Lavandula plant named ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’

ABSTRACT

A new cultivar of  Lavandula  plant named ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ that is characterized by early and repeat flowering, dense plant habit, short peduncle length, and fragrant flower spikes with medium length sterile bracts that are mid-pink in color. In combination these traits set ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ apart from all other existing varieties of  Lavandula  known to the inventor.

Genus: LAVANDULA.

Species: stoechas.

Denomination: ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of lavender known botanically as Lavandula stoechas and hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’.

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(f) of the application for a grant of Australian Plant Breeders Rights which was filed for the instant plant variety on Aug. 21, 2009 and accepted by the Australian Plant Breeders Rights Office on Nov. 9, 2009 with application number 2009/202.

This application is co-pending with the application for the inventor's variety of Lavandula stoechas known as ‘SWEETBERRY RUFFLES’ (U.S. Plant application Ser. No. 12/806,463). ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ and ‘SWEETBERRY RUFFLES’ arose from the same cross-pollination as described herein.

‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ is one individual selection in the Australian lavender ‘Ruffles Series’ that resulted from a formal breeding program. The breeding program was established in November 2001 and conducted by the inventor at the inventor's nursery in Wonga Park, Victoria, Australia. The aim of the breeding program is to develop an ongoing series of Lavandula stoechas varieties which are similar in plant form and habit but which bear showy and distinctly different sterile bracts which are the most prominent commercial feature of the species. The species Lavandula stoechas is commonly known as Spanish lavender.

The inventor selected ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ in 2007 based on a combination of repeat flowering, dense plant habit, mid-pink sterile bract color, mauve fertile flower color and short peduncle length.

‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ is a selection arising from the controlled cross-pollination of Lavandula stoechas ‘Winter Lace’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 18,280) as the female parent, and Lavandula stoechas Boysenberry Ruffles (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 18,256) as the male parent. Cross-pollination of the parent plants took place in Wonga Park, Victoria, Australia in November 2005. From this cross the F1 generation was raised in February 2006 and grown to flowering maturity in September 2006. One flowering seedling, to be named ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ was isolated in 2006 and planted in a 14 cm container for second year flowering in 2007 at which time ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ was confirmed for future commercialization.

‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ is a perennial suitable for use in containers and in the landscape. Cultural requirements include full sun, adequate but not excess water, and well-draining soil. Mature height is 60 cm. and mature width is 80 cm.

The traits that distinguish ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ from the female parent ‘Winter Lace’ are sterile bract color and plant size at maturity. The sterile bracts of ‘Winter Lace’ are mauve in color whereas the sterile bracts of ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ are mid pink in color. A mature plant of ‘Winter Lace’ is 70 cm in height whereas the mature height of ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ is 60 cm.

The traits that distinguish ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ from the male parent ‘Boysenberry Ruffles’ are length of flower spike and color of sterile bracts. The flower spike of ‘Boysenberry Ruffles’ is up to 1 cm shorter than the flower spike of ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’. The sterile bracts of ‘Boysenberry Ruffles’ are light pink in color whereas the sterile bracts of ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ are mid pink in color.

The inventor has observed that the varieties of Lavender stoechas that most closely resemble ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ are the inventor's varieties ‘Mulberry Ruffles’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 18,295) and ‘Sweetberry Ruffles’ (co-pending with the instant application).

The traits that distinguish ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ from ‘Mulberry Ruffles’ are sterile bract color and fertile flower corolla color. The sterile bracts of ‘Mulberry Ruffles’ are dark pink in color whereas the sterile bracts of ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ are mid pink in color. The corolla of the fertile flowers of ‘Mulberry Ruffles’ is dark pink in color whereas the corolla of the fertile flowers of ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ is mid pink in color.

The traits that distinguish ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ from ‘Sweetberry Ruffles’ are color and length of the sterile bracts. The sterile bracts of ‘Sweetberry Ruffles’ are light pink in color whereas the sterile bracts of ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ are mid pink in color. The sterile bracts of ‘Sweetberry Ruffles’ are approximately 5 mm longer than the sterile bracts of ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’.

‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ was first asexually propagated by the inventor in 2007. Asexual propagation was accomplished at the inventor's nursery in Australia, and the method utilized was tip cuttings. Since that time ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ has been determined stable, and reproduces true to type in successive generations of asexual propagation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and represent the distinguishing characteristics of the new Lavandula cultivar named ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’. These traits in combination distinguish ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ from all other existing varieties of Lavandula known to the inventor. ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ has not been tested under all possible conditions and phenotypic differences may be observed with variations in environmental, climatic, and cultural conditions, without however, any variance in genotype.

-   -   1. ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ exhibits dense plant habit.     -   2. ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ exhibits scented flower spikes which         bear sterile bracts that are medium in length and mid-pink in         color, and fertile flowers which are mauve in color.     -   3. ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ exhibits early and repeat flowering.     -   4. ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ exhibits fragrant gray-green foliage.     -   5. Cultural requirements for ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ are full sun,         adequate but not excess water and well-draining soil.     -   6. ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ exhibits short peduncle length.     -   7. ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ is 60 cm in height and 80 cm. in width         at maturity.     -   8. ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ is hardy to USDA Zone 8.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the overall appearance of the new Lavandula cultivar named ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ showing the colors as true as it is reasonably possible to obtain in color reproductions of this type. Color in the drawings may differ from the color values cited in the detailed botanical description, which accurately describe the actual color of the new Lavandula variety named ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’.

The drawings were made of 1 year old plants which have been grown out of doors in Victoria, Australia.

The drawing labeled FIG. 1 depicts a single plant in full bloom and growing in a 15 cm diameter container.

The drawing labeled FIG. 2 depicts a close-up view of the flower spike.

Both drawings were made using conventional techniques and although the leaf and flower colors may appear different from the actual colors due to light reflectance, they are as accurate as possible by conventional photography.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following is a detailed botanical description of the Lavandula cultivar named ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’. Data was collected in Santa Barbara, Calif. from 1 year old plants which have been grown out of doors. Color determinations are made in accordance with The 2007 Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart of London, England, except where general color terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The growing requirements are similar to the species.

-   Classification:     -   -   Botanical classification.—Lavandula stoechas ‘STRAWBERRY             RUFFLES’.         -   Family.—Lamiaceae.         -   Genus.—LAVANDULA.         -   Species.—stoechas.         -   Variety denomination.—‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’.         -   Common name.—Lavender. -   Plant:     -   -   Habit.—Dense.         -   Height (at maturity).—60 cm.         -   Width (at maturity).—80 cm.         -   Life cycle.—Perennial.         -   Use.—Ornamental for container or landscape.         -   Vigour.—Moderate.         -   Hardiness.—USDA Zone 8.         -   Propagation.—Tip and stem cuttings.         -   Root system.—Fibrous.         -   Cultural requirements.—Full sun, adequate but not excess             water, and well-draining soil.         -   Time to produce a rooted cutting.—4-6 weeks.         -   Time to produce a 10 cm. container plant in bloom.—20 weeks.         -   Seasonal interest.—Flower spikes in spring and summer. -   Parentage: Lavandula stoechas ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ is a selection     that resulted from controlled cross-pollination of the following     parents:     -   -   Female parent plant.—Lavandula stoechas ‘Winter Lace’.         -   Male parent plant.—Lavandula stoechas ‘Boysenberry Ruffles’. -   Disease and insect resistance: Minimal disease and insect     susceptibility with occasional aphids on new growth. -   Stem:     -   -   Branching.—Upright.         -   Stem shape.—Quadrangular.         -   Stem surface.—Pubescent.         -   Pubescence color.—156D.         -   Stem color.—Juvenile or soft new growth 143D; becoming 178C             when semi-ripe and 166C towards the base.         -   Stem length.—Range of 8 cm to 10 cm.         -   Stem width.—3 mm.         -   Stem fragrance.—Resinous scent.         -   Internode length.—Range of 0.50 cm. to 1.50 cm. -   Foliage:     -   -   Leaf arrangement.—Combination of whorled and opposite.         -   Leaf division.—Simple.         -   Leaf shape.—Elongated oblong.         -   Leaf margin.—Entire.         -   Leaf apex.—Apiculate and acute individually present.         -   Leaf base.—Truncate.         -   Leaf attachment.—Sessile.         -   Leaf color (adaxial surface).—138C.         -   Leaf color (abaxial surface).—138B.         -   Leaf surface (adaxial and abaxial surfaces).—Pubescent.         -   Color of hairs.—156D.         -   Venation.—Reticulate.         -   Vein color (adaxial surface).—138c.         -   Vein color (abaxial surface).—138B.         -   Leaf length.—Range of 1.75 cm. to 4 cm.         -   Leaf width.—Range of 0.20 cm. to 0.70 cm.         -   Leaf fragrance.—Resinous scent. -   Inflorescence:     -   -   Fragrance.—Resinous scent.         -   Blooming period.—April through August.         -   Inflorescence type.—Spike bearing sterile bracts above.         -   Spike length.—4.0-4.5 cm.         -   Spike diameter.—2.0 cm.         -   Spike shape.—Cylindrical.         -   Inflorescent quantity.—Range of 65-70 per container plant.         -   Peduncle length.—4.20 cm.         -   Peduncle width.—2 mm.         -   Peduncle shape.—Quadrangular.         -   Peduncle color.—N144D.         -   Peduncle surface.—Tomentose.         -   Bud dimensions.—3 mm in length and 1.50 mm in width.         -   Bud shape.—Ovoid.         -   Bud color.—146B.         -   Bud surface.—Lanate.         -   Bud apex.—Acute. -   Flowers (fertile bracts):     -   -   Number.—80-100 on an individual spike.         -   Corolla color.—64B.         -   Corolla shape.—Salverform.         -   Corolla depth.—7 mm.         -   Corolla diameter.—5 mm.         -   Corolla tube depth.—4 mm.         -   Corolla tube diameter.—1.50 mm.         -   Petals.—Four in number.         -   Petals fused or unfused.—Basally fused.         -   Petal shape.—Orbicular.         -   Petal length.—1.50 mm.         -   Petal width.—1.50 mm.         -   Petal apex.—Obtuse and emarginated petal apices individually             observed on an individual corolla.         -   Petal margin.—Entire.         -   Petal surfaces (adaxial and abaxial).—Glabrous.         -   Petal color (adaxial and abaxial surfaces).—64B.         -   Calyx color.—137A.         -   Calyx shape.—Tubular.         -   Calyx surface.—Lanate.         -   Calyx length.—5 mm.         -   Calyx width.—2 mm.         -   Sepals.—Four in number.         -   Sepals fused or unfused.—Fused along three quarters of the             length.         -   Sepal apex.—Acute. -   Flowers (sterile bracts):     -   -   Sterile bracts.—Range of 4-5 per inflorescence.         -   Sterile bract form.—Petaloid.         -   Sterile bract appearance.—Irridescent.         -   Sterile bract arrangement.—Whorled.         -   Sterile bract surfaces (abaxial and adaxial).—Smooth, matte.         -   Sterile bract shape.—Broadly oblanceolate.         -   Sterile bract margin.—Entire.         -   Sterile bract length.—Average 2.0 cm.         -   Sterile bract width.—From a maximum of 8 mm (at one-third of             the length from the base) tapering to 3 mm close to the             apex.         -   Sterile bract apex.—Broadly acute.         -   Sterile bract base.—Aequilateral.         -   Sterile bract color (abaxial and adaxial surfaces).—Ranges             from 62D to 63D except for veins and base, both 64B.         -   Vein pattern.—Reticulate.         -   Vein color (abaxial and adaxial surfaces).—64B. -   Reproductive organs:     -   -   Stamens.—Four in number.         -   Stamen form.—Adnate to ventral surface of corolla tube.         -   Stamen color.—155C.         -   Stamen length.—5 mm.         -   Anther.—Four.         -   Anther color.—161A.         -   Pollen color.—161C.         -   Pollen quantity.—Moderate.         -   Pistil.—One.         -   Pistil length.—3 mm.         -   Pistil color.—155B.         -   Stigma height.—Less than 0.50 mm.         -   Stigma surface.—Glossy.         -   Stigma shape.—Orbicular.         -   Stigma color.—79A.         -   Ovary dimensions.—Less than 0.50 mm.         -   Ovary shape.—Globose.         -   Ovary color.—138A.         -   Ovary position.—Superior. -   Seed: No seed has been observed to date. 

1. A new and distinct variety of Lavandula plant named ‘STRAWBERRY RUFFLES’ as described and illustrated herein. 